Stampless Covers - Virginia and West Virginia - Section Two - Item#10568
10568 Click on image to enlarge.
Item# 10568

FOREST DEPOT / Va. // OCT / 1 [1861] rimless cds with matching handstamped PAID / 5 CENTS 2-line straightline on amber cover addressed to Dr. Richard N. Hewitt, 42nd Regiment Va. Vols., Care of Col. J.S. Burks, Huntersville, Pochohontas Co [West] Va; small flap faults and minor staining. Detailed bio included from the unpublished biographical register of  physicians who served the Confederacy in a medical capacity, courtesy of Drs. F. T. Hambrecht and J.L. Koste. Triple threat - scarce handstamped paid into West Virginia with excellent medical military address. Ex Kohn and Hambrecht.  $600.

Dr. Richard Newton Hewitt (1827-1908) was born in Otter Oaks, Va. and received his M.D. degree from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia in 1849. He enlisted in 1861 as a 1st Sergt. In Co D, 42nd Virginia Infantry. He was discharged only a week later for what was likely rheumatic fever. He practiced medicine in Campbell County, Va after the war. Hambrecht notes one unsubstantiated reference which claims he was a Surgeon, C.S. Army in the Division of Gen. W.W. Loring, Army of West Virginia.

Dr. Jesse Spinner Burks (1823-1885), a VMI graduate and member of the Virginia legislature 1853-54,  enlisted as a colonel in 42nd Va. Infantry 7-15-61 and was commissioned into Field & Staff 6th VA Brigade 9-8-61. He resigned 7-21-62 due to severe hernia contracted at the Battle of Kernstown. He was a postwar farmer and financier.

Price: $600